Trump criticizes Pope Leo XIV over his peace stance on Iran, highlighting growing tensions between the White House and the Vatican.
Joint Base Andrews: US President Donald Trump on Sunday publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV, saying he is “not a big fan” of the pontiff following the pope’s appeal for peace amid escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Speaking to reporters in Maryland, Trump remarked,
"I'm not a big fan of Pope Leo. He's a very liberal person, and he's a man that doesn't believe in stopping crime."
He further accused the Catholic leader of interfering in sensitive geopolitical matters, particularly regarding Iran.
The criticism comes after Pope Leo XIV urged global leaders to end violence and prioritize diplomacy. Addressing worshippers at St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope declared:
"Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!"
Trump doubled down on his criticism through a post on Truth Social, stating:
"I don't want a Pope who think it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon."
His remarks reflect growing frustration within his administration over international calls for restraint instead of confrontation with Iran.
The dispute highlights a widening divide between Washington and the Vatican over how to handle Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the broader conflict in the Middle East.
Amid reports suggesting tensions between the United States and the Vatican, officials from both sides have sought to downplay any serious rift.
On Friday, a Vatican official rejected claims that a senior Pentagon figure had delivered a harsh warning to the Church’s envoy in Washington. The report alleged that Cardinal Christophe Pierre had been summoned and cautioned that the United States “has the military power to do whatever it wants.”
However, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni dismissed the claims, stating that "the account presented by certain media outlets regarding this meeting does not correspond to the truth in any way."
Despite official denials, tensions between the two sides remain evident. The Vatican has openly criticized several policies of the Trump administration, including its strict immigration measures and use of military force in global conflicts.
Pope Leo XIV had earlier described Trump’s threats against Iran as “truly unacceptable”, urging leaders to return to diplomatic negotiations rather than escalate violence.
The pope has also labeled certain humanitarian policies, including mass deportations, as “inhuman,” further straining relations between the two powers.
Adding to the strained atmosphere, recent peace talks between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad ended without an agreement. US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington had presented its “final and best offer,” but negotiations ultimately broke down.
The collapse of talks has increased fears of further escalation in the region, with global leaders, including the Vatican, continuing to push for dialogue and de-escalation.
Source : Gulf News
